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⇱ AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate Exam Guide | Coursera


AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate Exam Guide

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AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate Exam Guide

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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level

Recommended experience

2 weeks to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level

Recommended experience

2 weeks to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Identify key AWS services for seamless deployments

  • Apply robust security measures for secure AWS solutions

  • Design and implement highly resilient architectures on AWS

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Recently updated!

April 2026

Assessments

15 assignments

Taught in English

There are 15 modules in this course

Becoming an AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate validates your ability to design secure, resilient, and cost-effective cloud solutions. This course provides the technical depth and strategic insight required to master the SAA-C03 exam objectives and build real-world cloud architecture expertise that is highly valued in today’s IT landscape.

You will strengthen your understanding of core AWS services, architectural best practices, and security design patterns. Through structured guidance and exam-focused preparation, you will learn how to design scalable systems, optimize costs, and implement robust solutions aligned with AWS Well-Architected principles. What sets this course apart is its focus on realistic scenarios and clear explanations that bridge foundational theory with practical implementation. Each topic is mapped to the latest SAA-C03 objectives, ensuring your preparation is both relevant and exam-ready. This course is ideal for IT professionals with experience in infrastructure, databases, or application design who are preparing for the AWS SAA-C03 certification. A basic understanding of cloud concepts and networking fundamentals is recommended. Based on the book, AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate (SAA-C03), by Michelle Chismon and Kate Gawron.

In this section, we explore cloud computing fundamentals, focusing on implementing solutions with AWS core services and analyzing cloud deployment models. We also design cost-optimized cloud architectures to enhance decision-making in cloud migration and architecture design.

What's included

2 videos5 readings1 assignment

2 videosβ€’Total 2 minutes
  • Course Overviewβ€’1 minute
  • Understanding Cloud Fundamentals - Overview Videoβ€’1 minute
5 readingsβ€’Total 60 minutes
  • Introductionβ€’10 minutes
  • Publicβ€’10 minutes
  • The AWS Cloudβ€’10 minutes
  • AWS Architectureβ€’10 minutes
  • Cloud Economicsβ€’20 minutes
1 assignmentβ€’Total 10 minutes
  • Introduction to Cloud Conceptsβ€’10 minutes

In this section, we explore AWS Virtual Private Clouds (VPCs), focusing on their role in managing network architecture within the cloud. We cover subnet design, IP range management, and security features like Security Groups (SGs) and Network Access Control Lists (NACLs) to ensure robust cloud infrastructure protection.

What's included

1 video7 readings1 assignment

1 videoβ€’Total 1 minute
  • Virtual Private Cloud - Overview Videoβ€’1 minute
7 readingsβ€’Total 70 minutes
  • Introductionβ€’10 minutes
  • Subnet Design Flexibilityβ€’10 minutes
  • Security in AWS VPCsβ€’10 minutes
  • VPC Connectivityβ€’10 minutes
  • Virtual Private Network (VPN) Connectionsβ€’10 minutes
  • AWS Transit Gatewayβ€’10 minutes
  • Repeating the Previous Steps for the Second VPCβ€’10 minutes
1 assignmentβ€’Total 10 minutes
  • AWS VPC Fundamentalsβ€’10 minutes

In this section, we explore the essentials of identity and access management (IAM) in AWS, focusing on implementing users, roles, and policies to secure cloud resources. We also analyze IAM policies using the IAM Policy Simulator to ensure robust security measures.

What's included

1 video2 readings1 assignment

1 videoβ€’Total 1 minute
  • Identity and Access Management - Overview Videoβ€’1 minute
2 readingsβ€’Total 20 minutes
  • Introductionβ€’10 minutes
  • Identity Providers (IdPs)β€’10 minutes
1 assignmentβ€’Total 10 minutes
  • AWS IAM Concepts and Practicesβ€’10 minutes

In this section, we explore AWS compute resources, focusing on EC2 instances, container solutions with ECS and EKS, and AWS Batch for job processing. We aim to enhance cloud infrastructure management and prepare for AWS certification exams.

What's included

1 video10 readings1 assignment

1 videoβ€’Total 1 minute
  • Compute - Overview Videoβ€’1 minute
10 readingsβ€’Total 100 minutes
  • Introductionβ€’10 minutes
  • Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2)β€’10 minutes
  • Spot Instancesβ€’10 minutes
  • Predictive Scalingβ€’10 minutes
  • AWS Containersβ€’10 minutes
  • Task Placement Strategiesβ€’10 minutes
  • AWS Fargateβ€’10 minutes
  • Instance and Container Securityβ€’10 minutes
  • Hands-On Labβ€’10 minutes
  • ECS Labβ€’10 minutes
1 assignmentβ€’Total 10 minutes
  • AWS Compute and Storage Optionsβ€’10 minutes

In this section, we explore AWS's diverse storage solutions, focusing on implementing scalable object storage with Amazon S3 and designing robust backup strategies using AWS Backup. We also analyze storage needs to select appropriate services like EBS and EFS, ensuring secure and efficient data management tailored to business requirements.

What's included

1 video4 readings1 assignment

1 videoβ€’Total 1 minute
  • Storage - Overview Videoβ€’1 minute
4 readingsβ€’Total 40 minutes
  • Introductionβ€’10 minutes
  • Versioning in Amazon S3β€’10 minutes
  • S3 Replicationβ€’10 minutes
  • Amazon EFSβ€’10 minutes
1 assignmentβ€’Total 10 minutes
  • AWS Storage Solutionsβ€’10 minutes

In this section, we delve into the critical roles of DNS and load balancing in cloud architecture, emphasizing the use of Amazon Route 53 for DNS routing and AWS Elastic Load Balancing for traffic distribution. We explore how these tools contribute to building scalable, resilient systems by ensuring high availability and optimal performance through effective traffic management and routing policies.

What's included

1 video3 readings1 assignment

1 videoβ€’Total 1 minute
  • DNS and Load Balancing - Overview Videoβ€’1 minute
3 readingsβ€’Total 30 minutes
  • Introductionβ€’10 minutes
  • IP-Based Routingβ€’10 minutes
  • Applicationβ€’10 minutes
1 assignmentβ€’Total 10 minutes
  • DNS and Load Balancing in AWSβ€’10 minutes

In this section, we explore AWS tools for data integration, real-time streaming, and database analysis, focusing on AWS Glue, Amazon Kinesis, and various AWS databases. We learn to evaluate these services for optimal data management and analysis, ensuring effective handling of large datasets.

What's included

1 video12 readings1 assignment

1 videoβ€’Total 1 minute
  • Data and Analytics - Overview Videoβ€’1 minute
12 readingsβ€’Total 130 minutes
  • Introductionβ€’10 minutes
  • Managing DR or HAβ€’10 minutes
  • Authenticationβ€’10 minutes
  • Amazon Auroraβ€’10 minutes
  • Performance and Monitoringβ€’10 minutes
  • Amazon DynamoDBβ€’10 minutes
  • Backupsβ€’10 minutes
  • Securityβ€’10 minutes
  • Analytics on AWSβ€’10 minutes
  • Amazon QuickSightβ€’10 minutes
  • AWS Lake Formationβ€’20 minutes
  • Securityβ€’10 minutes
1 assignmentβ€’Total 10 minutes
  • AWS Data Management and Security Featuresβ€’10 minutes

In this section, we explore AWS tools for migrating data and applications to the cloud, focusing on AWS Transfer Family, AWS Application Migration Service, and AWS Database Migration Service to ensure secure and efficient transitions. We aim to equip you with the skills to maintain data integrity and minimize downtime while creating cost-effective cloud architectures.

What's included

1 video4 readings1 assignment

1 videoβ€’Total 1 minute
  • Migrations and Data Transfer - Overview Videoβ€’1 minute
4 readingsβ€’Total 40 minutes
  • Introductionβ€’10 minutes
  • AWS Transfer Familyβ€’10 minutes
  • AWS Snow Familyβ€’10 minutes
  • Application Migrationβ€’10 minutes
1 assignmentβ€’Total 10 minutes
  • AWS Migrations and Data Transferβ€’10 minutes

In this section, we delve into serverless computing and application integration, focusing on AWS Lambda and Step Functions for building scalable, event-driven architectures. We explore the use of Amazon SQS, SNS, and EventBridge to design resilient, cost-effective cloud solutions without direct server management.

What's included

1 video4 readings1 assignment

1 videoβ€’Total 1 minute
  • Serverless and Application Integration - Overview Videoβ€’1 minute
4 readingsβ€’Total 40 minutes
  • Introductionβ€’10 minutes
  • Logging and Monitoringβ€’10 minutes
  • Message Deduplicationβ€’10 minutes
  • AWS Step Functionsβ€’10 minutes
1 assignmentβ€’Total 10 minutes
  • Serverless and Application Integration Conceptsβ€’10 minutes

In this section, we explore the implementation of AWS security services such as Amazon Macie and GuardDuty, focusing on designing secure cloud environments and understanding the shared responsibility model. We emphasize the importance of these tools in preventing data breaches and ensuring compliance with security standards.

What's included

1 video3 readings1 assignment

1 videoβ€’Total 1 minute
  • Security - Overview Videoβ€’1 minute
3 readingsβ€’Total 40 minutes
  • Introductionβ€’10 minutes
  • AWS Key Management Service (KMS)β€’10 minutes
  • Threat Detectionβ€’20 minutes
1 assignmentβ€’Total 10 minutes
  • AWS Security Fundamentalsβ€’10 minutes

In this section, we explore AWS management and governance tools to establish a scalable and compliant cloud platform. We focus on implementing AWS Control Tower for cross-region governance, designing compliance rules for auto-remediation, and analyzing AWS logging services for effective monitoring.

What's included

1 video4 readings1 assignment

1 videoβ€’Total 1 minute
  • Management and Governance - Overview Videoβ€’1 minute
4 readingsβ€’Total 50 minutes
  • Introductionβ€’10 minutes
  • Provisioning and Orchestrationβ€’10 minutes
  • CloudFormation Service Featuresβ€’10 minutes
  • Centralized Operationsβ€’20 minutes
1 assignmentβ€’Total 10 minutes
  • AWS Management and Governance Toolsβ€’10 minutes

In this section, we explore designing secure architectures in AWS, focusing on secure access, workloads, and data security controls essential for the AWS SAA-C03 exam. We emphasize practical applications of IAM roles, threat detection, and data encryption to ensure robust security in AWS environments.

What's included

1 video3 readings1 assignment

1 videoβ€’Total 1 minute
  • Design Secure Architectures - Overview Videoβ€’1 minute
3 readingsβ€’Total 30 minutes
  • Introductionβ€’10 minutes
  • Design Secure Workloads and Applicationsβ€’10 minutes
  • Determine Appropriate Data Security Controlsβ€’10 minutes
1 assignmentβ€’Total 10 minutes
  • AWS Security and Architecture Best Practicesβ€’10 minutes

In this section, we focus on designing resilient architectures by implementing scalable, fault-tolerant systems using AWS best practices. We also analyze disaster recovery strategies to ensure high availability and business continuity.

What's included

1 video2 readings1 assignment

1 videoβ€’Total 1 minute
  • Design Resilient Architectures - Overview Videoβ€’1 minute
2 readingsβ€’Total 30 minutes
  • Introductionβ€’10 minutes
  • Disaster Recovery Strategiesβ€’20 minutes
1 assignmentβ€’Total 10 minutes
  • Designing Resilient Systems with AWSβ€’10 minutes

In this section, we delve into designing high-performing architectures by leveraging AWS services to create scalable storage solutions, implement elastic compute with Auto Scaling, and optimize database performance using caching strategies. We focus on ensuring that these architectures are resilient and efficient, capable of handling demanding workloads while remaining adaptable to future growth.

What's included

1 video7 readings1 assignment

1 videoβ€’Total 1 minute
  • Design High-Performing Architectures - Overview Videoβ€’1 minute
7 readingsβ€’Total 70 minutes
  • Introductionβ€’10 minutes
  • High-Performing and Elastic Compute Solutionsβ€’10 minutes
  • Identifying Appropriate Instance Types and Sizesβ€’10 minutes
  • Monitoring and Tuningβ€’10 minutes
  • High-Performing And/Or Scalable Network Architecturesβ€’10 minutes
  • Using Edge Servicesβ€’10 minutes
  • High-Performing Data Ingestion and Transformation Solutionsβ€’10 minutes
1 assignmentβ€’Total 10 minutes
  • Designing High-Performing AWS Architecturesβ€’10 minutes

In this section, we explore designing cost-optimized architectures using AWS services, focusing on storage, compute, and network solutions. We emphasize practical strategies for balancing cost and value in real-world applications.

What's included

1 video3 readings1 assignment

1 videoβ€’Total 1 minute
  • Design Cost-Optimized Architectures - Overview Videoβ€’1 minute
3 readingsβ€’Total 30 minutes
  • Introductionβ€’10 minutes
  • Design Cost-Optimized Compute Solutionsβ€’10 minutes
  • Design Cost-Optimized Database Solutionsβ€’10 minutes
1 assignmentβ€’Total 10 minutes
  • Designing Cost-Effective AWS Architecturesβ€’10 minutes

Instructor

Packt
1,926 Coursesβ€’560,010 learners

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Frequently asked questions

Yes, you can preview the first video and view the syllabus before you enroll. You must purchase the course to access content not included in the preview.

If you decide to enroll in the course before the session start date, you will have access to all of the lecture videos and readings for the course. You’ll be able to submit assignments once the session starts.

Once you enroll and your session begins, you will have access to all videos and other resources, including reading items and the course discussion forum. You’ll be able to view and submit practice assessments, and complete required graded assignments to earn a grade and a Course Certificate.

If you complete the course successfully, your electronic Course Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Course Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.

This course is currently available only to learners who have paid or received financial aid, when available.

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

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